VBK vs VGSH
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
VGSH has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBK offers more diversification with 553 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VGSH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $23.2B | $34.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.45% | 3.85% | |
| Holdings | 553 | 94 | |
| YTD Return | +17.18% | +1.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.40% | +2.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.84% | +4.38% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.87% | +1.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 1.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -6.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Nov 19, 2009 |
VBK vs VGSH Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +23.40% while VGSH returned +2.66%. Year to date, VBK is up 17.18% versus a gain of 1.14% for VGSH.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +17.84% per year against +4.38% for VGSH; over five years the annualized figures are +4.87% and +1.96% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.37% annualized vs +0.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% compared with 1.4% for VGSH. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -59.4% for VBK and -6.7% for VGSH. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBK charges 0.05% per year while VGSH charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $3 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VBK currently yields 0.45% against 3.85% for VGSH.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VGSH share 0 holdings out of 557 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or VGSH?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VGSH charges 0.03%. VGSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or VGSH?
Over the past year VBK returned +23.40% vs +2.66% for VGSH, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VBK annualized +9.37% vs +0.73% for VGSH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VGSH?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VGSH -6.7%.
Should I hold both VBK and VGSH?
VBK and VGSH have a monthly-return correlation of -0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBK and VGSH?
VBK and VGSH share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VGSH?
VBK yields 0.45% while VGSH yields 3.85%, so VGSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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